Local elections are coming up across the UK, and while they might not always get the same attention as general elections, they have a real impact on your everyday lives.
If you’re a student, this is your reminder: your voice counts locally, and there are a few important steps to take now to make sure you can use it.
What are local elections?
Local elections decide who runs your local councils. These councils make decisions that directly affect students and your local community, including:
- Housing and private renting standards
- Public transport and travel costs
- Local services like libraries, leisure centres, and waste collection
- Community safety and local funding priorities
Whether you live near campus, commute, or learn online, the decisions made locally shape the places where you live, work, and study.
When are they happening and what are the key dates?
The local elections will be taking place on Thursday 7th May 2026.
These elections are for local councils, as well as the devolved governments in Wales and Scotland.
Key dates you should be aware of:
Why should you vote?
These elections can have a direct impact on the services and experiences of the areas you live, work, and study. This is about your local community and it is down to you to make your voice heard on the 7th May.
Students are often under-represented in elections. This is not because we don’t care, but with balancing work, life, and study it can be easy to miss. This results in students being left out of the national and local picture with the concerns of other groups taking the spotlight.
By voting and raising the profile of the student community and highlighting the issues and concerns faced by students we can shine a light and lobby for impactful change. Decision-makers should be paying attention to:
- Affordable housing and cost-of-living pressures
- Transport links to campuses and learning centres
- Supporting full-time and part-time learners who balance a lot of priorities
- Inclusive local services that work for diverse communities including students
Voting is a simple way to say: “Students live here too, and our voices matter”
What do you need to do?
We can’t tell you who to vote for as these are your local choices about the things that impact you and your local communities. However, we can make sure that you are election-ready by following these three steps.
Step One: Make sure you are registered to vote
Deadline: You have until Monday 20th April to register to vote through the government's website.
Click here: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
If you cannot vote in person on polling day you also have the option to apply for a:
- Postal Vote: if you can’t get to the polling station on polling day, you can ask to vote by post. This is called a postal vote.
- Proxy Vote: this is where you can’t get to the polling station on polling day, you can ask someone you trust to vote on your behalf. This is called a proxy vote.
- Postal Proxy Vote: if your trusted proxy cannot get to the polling station, they can apply to vote on your behalf via post. This is called a postal proxy vote.
These options have deadlines by which you need to apply in order to vote by proxy or post. Find out more here: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/key-dates-voters-2026
Step Two: Get the right ID
Over the last couple of years, parliament made changes to election rules and now require voters to present valid photo ID to vote at a polling station. This is important if you are planning to vote as we wouldn’t want you turned away for not having valid photo ID.
The electoral commission has information on valid forms of ID and how you can apply for free voter ID for elections in England. Find out more here: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/applying-a-voter-authority-certificate
Deadline: You have until Tuesday 28th April (5pm) to apply for your free voter ID in England.
Step Three: Be ready on polling day
On polling day, Thursday 7th May, you can attend your local polling station to vote in person.
You can find your relevant polling station here: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information
Your Students’ Association and local elections
Whilst we cannot tell you who to vote for, we want to ensure your local voices are heard on local issues and local choices. Your Students’ Association works with other student organisations to lobby local councils on issues that matter to you, which could be anything from tram services in Manchester to health services in London.
Ensuring that you have a say on your local community leaders hopefully means that those elected have priorities aligned to the needs of students. This helps us in working with local leaders to advocate for changes that impact where you live, work, and study.
Local elections are about real-life day-to-day problems - how you travel in your area, rent, safety, development and more.
If you are unsure where to start, the official government website has guidance on registering to vote and voter ID. And if you need support, your Students’ Association is always here to help point you in the right direction.
The Electoral Commission also has great guidance and resources on how, where and when to vote. Find out more here: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/key-dates-voters-2026
Use your voice. Be ready. Make it count.